Peabody Essex Museum (The), Salem

This museum has a lot of variation in its exhibits. The Wedded Bliss exhibit was nice. I didn't go through all of it as I was pressed for time but the museum was well cared for and the employees more than willing to assist you with getting answers to any questions I had. Lots of Asian art!

This was probably one of the best values for the money in Salem. If you enjoy more of the historical side of this small town, the facts are - lets say - more accurate from the museum. Included in our museum addmission price was the ability to tour some of the museum owned mansions in town.

A must see when in Salem. Definitely worth the money. Displays are Beautiful. Strongly recommend to spend the day here. Would go back when in the area.

Who would have thought there are Asian arts in Salem MA? Even a house moved from China. This is a very well run place. Very clean. The origami special event was wonderful. I was a kid again and wish there were more hours. Do check the website for special event before going. Also, there are tours of historic houses in Salem around the museum. Call in the morning to see what time of day they offer the tour and reservations. Parking is reasonable at $1.50/hr at the garage around the corner. On Sundays, you can park on the street for free. Plenty of restaurants in and around the area (walking distance.)

The PEM was a beautiful collection of the best Salem's mariners could bring home from all the treasures abroad. Of course, the chinese house that was shipped over recently is the capstone to that collection. There's no way I'll ever get to China, but I felt like I'd been there after walking through the meticulously recontructed house. Afterward, I wandered through maritime artifacts and art, and got a feel for how truely wonderful this earth can be.
I'm jealous of people who live in Salem who can visit this jewel free.

Comparable to museums in Boston--was very surprised with the wealth of antiquities this museum offers. We took the train from Boston (abt 20 min) and it was a block from the train station in Salem to PEM. Delightful adventure and well worth the time. To carry on the theme of the Orient, we visited a quaint Japanese Restaurant across the street (Asahi) and had the best sushi we have had in years. Hats off to PEM for a wonderful day.

This museum is a reason enough alone to visit Salem. The China House was really cool, and the overall history of the pieces in the museum were really cool. I didn't get a chance to tour the homes, but there's always a reason to go back! Plan to spend some time here, it's not a quick visit place.

As a student at Salem State College, I was regularly exposed to PEM, but never took the time to visit. On the few occassions I did manage to visit, I would take a look at one exhibit quickly and run out. It wasn't until I did an internship at the museum that I came to realize its full potential. PEM works with artists and museums all over the world to bring not just art, but culture, to Massachusetts. While you may not be exposed to paintings of the Baroque era or the Renaissance, you will be exposed to objects from the Pacific Islands, paintings from India, and intricately carved furniture from China. They are also running the special exhibit "Painting Summer in New England" until September, and while I was interning in the spring PEM was named one of the top 10 museum's for children by CHILD Magazine. It is a great museum for children and adults alike, and in the globalized community in which we live, it is a valuable tool in understanding the world outside the United States.